HOME BUYING

Buying a home can be one of your most significant investments in life. Not only are you choosing your dwelling place, and the place in which you will bring up your family, you are most likely investing a large portion of your assets into this venture. The more prepared you are at the outset, the less overwhelming and chaotic the buying process will be. The goal of this page is to provide you with detailed information to assist you in making an intelligent and informed decision. Remember, if you have any questions about the process, I'm only a phone call or email away!

  • Benefits of Owning Your Own Home
    The Best Investment
    Income Tax Savings
    Stable Monthly Housing Costs
    Forced Savings
    Freedom and Individuality
    More Space
  • Important Things To Avoid Before Buying a Home
    Don't Move Money Around
    The Effect of Changing Jobs
    No Major Purchases of Any Kind
    Don't Buy a Car - or Did You Already Buy One?
    When Income Grows and You Want to Buy "Stuff"
    Debt-to-Income Ratios and Car Payments
    How Buying a Car Reduces Your Purchase Price

  • The Business Cycle and Buying a Home
    Recession and Expansion
    Supply and Demand
    Should You Try to "Time the Market"?

  • Comparable Sales and Your Offer Price
    Determining Your Offer Price
    Comparable Sales in the Public Record
    Comparable Sales in the Multiple Listing Service
    Comparable Sales - Pending Transactions
    Other Factors Influencing Your Offer Price

  • Major Factors Influencing your Offer Price
    How Property Condition Affects Your Offer
    How Home Improvements Affect Your Offer
    How Market Conditions Affect Your Offer
    How Seller Motivation Affects Your Offer
    The Final Decision on Your Offer Price

  • Offering to Purchase Real Estate- the Basics
    Introduction and Overview
    Contingencies in a Purchase Offer
    Earnest Money Deposit
    The Closing Date
    Transfer of Possession

  • Writing an Offer - Safeguards Regarding the Property
    Disclosures From the Seller
    Condition of the Property Upon Transfer
    Inspections You Should Require
    Final Walk-Through Inspection

  • How Financing Details Affect Your Offer
    Down Payment
    Interest Rates
    Closing Costs and Financing Incentives
    Seller Financing
    Cash Offers
    Other Financing Details in Your Offer

  • How FHA and VA Financing Affects Your Offer
    Extra Costs for the Seller
    VA and FHA Appraisals

  • Selecting Service Providers
    You and the Seller Must Agree
    Escrow and Settlement
    Title Insurance
    Termite and Pest Inspection